Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens. Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Steelers' George Pickens addresses lack of usage: I'm open '90 percent of the time'

Steelers rookie wide receiver George Pickens told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review that he believes he's open "90 percent of the time" despite his minor role in the offense through the first two games of the season.

Pickens, a second-round pick in April, was one of the flashiest players of the preseason, but he has just two catches on six targets to this point. Diontae Johnson, Pat Freiermuth, and Chase Claypool have combined for 72.9 percent of Mitchell Trubisky's targets through two games. 

Offensive coordinator Matt Canada told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review this week, "I'd love to get George more involved." 

Pickens played 85 percent of offensive snaps in Sunday's loss to the Patriots, so getting him involved will be a matter of throwing him the ball instead of just getting him on the field.

The Steelers have every reason to be motivated to change up the offense after managing only 14 points against New England in Week 2. Pickens had a 23-yard reception in the loss, Pittsburgh's longest of the day.

Pickens will hope to get his feet under him against a Browns secondary that has melted down late in each of its first two games. 

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
LeBron James, Charles Barkley passionately defend Caitlin Clark from 'petty' haters
NBA announces 2023-24 All-NBA teams
Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner tempers expectations for Juan Soto extension
Canucks' Rick Tocchet wins 2024 Jack Adams Award
Cowboys QB Dak Prescott has intriguing comment on his contract situation
Celtics toying around with surprise Jayson Tatum move in conference finals
Incredible Orioles streak finally comes to end against Cardinals
Raiders QB shares surprising reason for switching jersey number
New Jersey Devils to hire just-fired head coach to lead bench
Latest announcements show how deep Knicks' injury issues ran
Star Padres infielder to miss significant time with shoulder injury
Veteran WR announces retirement after nine seasons
Eagles stars defend new DC following criticism
Steelers first-round pick still confident following 'rough' practice
Angel Reese pulls notable sports ownership move
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. hit with record fine for All-Star Race scrap
Sean McVay dodges questions about Matthew Stafford's contract issue
Report: March Madness star has lost a stunning amount of weight ahead of NBA Draft
How Panthers' Bryce Young is impressing teammates after rough season
Venus Williams receives monumental honor from Mattel

Want more sports news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.